CD Review: Ready In 10 “31 Strong”

Besides having a love for numbers, Ready In 10 has a passion for good old fashioned pop rock. The release of their new CD, “31 Strong,” will surely secure this Long Island band a poll position in the race to become the world’s next Goo Goo Dolls.

Ready In 10lifted their name from a Chinese restaurant menu promising quick delivery. You could say Ready In 10 does the same by serving up tasty, no-nonsense pop rock, track after track. “31 Strong” follows their 2006 debut, “Face the World,” and consists of eight new studio tracks and a live version of the crowd pleasing, “Turn Your Red Light To Green.”

Vocalist Sal Nastasi sometimes does an uncanny Jon Bon Jovi, which is most evident in his inflections during the opener, “Song For A Southern Drive.” This radio-friendly tune is just one of many on “31 Strong” that feature sizzling guitar riffs and well-placed harmonies. Additional highlights include the moody “Immune,” the soft and beautiful “When She Moves,” and the excellent “Come Home,” where Nastasidelivers one of his more heartfelt performances. There is tremendous promise in this band and just a few things I’d suggest: Get a better production team, write some more upbeat tunes, and concentrate even more on writing bigger and badder hooks that make the listener want to come back for more.

You should be hearing some Ready In 10soon – their songs have been licensed to several television shows and a new sci-fi movie coming out called, The Stone. In the meantime, get your hands on their MP3s and rock out.